In the first game window of NFL Week 17, the next decisions regarding the playoffs were made.

The early kickoff time of the NFL’s 17th game day has delivered some great results again. The games in the short summary:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Carolina Panthers 30:24

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won the important division duel against the Carolina Panthers with 30:24. This is the first time in franchise history that the Buccaneers have won the NFC South twice in a row.

The Carolina Panthers were ahead for three quarters of the game before Tom Brady and especially Mike Evans turned on the turbo. Evans showed his class with 207 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

The Bucs’ division win leaves the Panthers without a chance of making the postseason.

New England Patriots – Miami Dolphins 23:21

The New England Patriots’ playoff hopes are alive! After a good second half, the Patriots beat the Miami Dolphins 32-21, which means both teams are now 8-8, so the final playoff spot in the AFC won’t be decided until Week 18.

While Mac Jones shined with two touchdown passes, Teddy Bridgewater had to be substituted with a hand injury. Both he and substitute Skylar Thompson each threw an interception.

Atlanta Falcons – Arizona Cardinals 20:19

In the duel of the disappointed, the Atlanta Falcons win at home against the Arizona Cardinals with 20:19. Desmond Ridder remains without a touchdown, but gets his first victory as an NFL quarterback.

For the Cardinals, meanwhile, the season has long since ended. David Blough was the fourth quarterback to play in the last four games, and at least he went flawless with one touchdown and one interception.

Detroit Lions – Chicago Bears 41:10

With one game day to go, the Detroit Lions’ playoff hopes live on! The Lions beat their division rivals Chicago Bears in a dominant 41-10 win, with quarterback Jared Goff delivering once again.

For the Chicago Bears, on the other hand, once again no one but quarterback Justin Fields shone. The Bears still have a shot at the first pick in the 2023 draft.

Houston Texans – Jacksonville Jaguars 3:31

The Jacksonville Jaguars won the dress rehearsal before the all-decisive season finale against the Tennessee Titans with a commanding 31:3. Especially the defence was strong, Trevor Lawrence had a rather discreet day with STATS.

With a win against the Titans, the Jaguars can clinch their first play-off spot since 2017. Back then, Jacksonville only failed in the Championship Game to the New England Patriots.

The Houston Texans, on the other hand, are only one game away from the first pick in the upcoming NFL draft. If they don’t win against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 18 either, they’ll be the first team selected in the 2023 draft.

Kansas City Chiefs – Denver Broncos 27-24

Even after the dismissal of Nathaniel Hackett, the Denver Broncos did not get back on track. At the division rival Kansas City Chiefs, the Broncos lost 27-24 despite an appealing performance.

Patrick Mahomes threw an interception, but the Chiefs’ offence was too strong as usual. If the Buffalo Bills lose to the Cincinnati Bengals to close out game day, the Chiefs will once again be the AFC’s number-one seed.

New York Giants – Indianapolis Colts 38:10

The New York Giants’ six-year playoff drought is over. With a 38:10 against the Indianapolis Colts, the “G-Men” secured a wildcard in the NFC. With nine wins, a place in the postseason can no longer be taken away from them.

For the Colts under interim coach Jeff Saturday, it is the sixth defeat in a row. Worse still, quarterback Nick Foles had to be replaced with an injury.

Philadelphia Eagles – New Orleans Saints 10:20

Without starting quarterback Jalen Hurts, the Philadelphia Eagles lost their third game of the season. They suffered a 10-20 loss to a banged-up New Orleans Saints. Backup Gardner Minshew caused a game-changing mistake with a pick six on Marshon Lattimore.

That means the confirmed No. 1 seed in the NFC will have to wait until Week 18.

The Saints have only a theoretical chance of making the playoffs due to the parallel success of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Washington Commanders – Cleveland Browns 10:24

The Cleveland Browns put a damper on the Washington Commanders’ playoff hopes. The Browns, who have long since lost their postseason hopes, were clearly stronger offensively and took advantage of the Commanders’ mistakes.

Washington, with Carson Wentz throwing three interceptions and losing the game early, needed help from the New York Jets with a 7-8-1 record to make the playoffs on the final day, but they didn’t get it.